Jakob Poeltl Nears Return as Raptors Eye Full Strength for the First Time in a While
It’s been a long wait, but the Toronto Raptors might finally be getting their full roster back on the floor. Center Jakob Poeltl, who’s been sidelined for 23 of the last 24 games due to a nagging back injury, went through a full practice on Saturday. Barring any last-minute setbacks, he could suit up Sunday against the Indiana Pacers - though he’ll likely be on a minutes restriction.
Poeltl kept the specifics of the injury under wraps, but the big man made it clear he’s feeling more like himself again.
“We saw a lot of doctors about it,” Poeltl said. “To be honest, I don’t want to get into too much detail about it.
The point is I’m feeling better now. I did a couple different treatment options.
So, yeah, I’m glad to be feeling better.”
Toronto has certainly missed him. In games where Poeltl logs at least 19 minutes, the Raptors are 13-6 - a telling stat that underscores his value.
He’s their best rebounder, a reliable screen-setter, and the anchor of their interior defense. His absence has left a noticeable void, especially on the glass and in pick-and-roll coverage.
While the road to recovery hasn’t been smooth - there have been setbacks along the way - Poeltl is approaching his return with cautious optimism.
“I’m learning as I’m going on with this whole process,” he said. “Through this stretch of however many weeks where I couldn’t play, and even before, when it was more manageable for me.
Now I’m in a different situation again. So I’m gonna go into these games with confidence and hopeful that it’s gonna stay this way.
I’m just gonna play it by ear pretty much.”
If he does make it back into the lineup Sunday, the Raptors could finally get a look at their full starting five - something that’s only happened 12 times all season. When that group is intact, they’ve been electric offensively, putting up 121.5 points per 100 possessions. That’s a better offensive rating than the Denver Nuggets, who currently lead the league in that category.
But it hasn’t all been smooth sailing. While the offense has clicked, the defense has struggled to keep up. That’s where Poeltl’s presence could make a real difference - bringing some much-needed rim protection and defensive communication back into the fold.
There’s still a question mark heading into Sunday, though. Immanuel Quickley tweaked his ankle during practice and is listed as questionable. If he can’t go, the Raptors will have to wait a bit longer to see their ideal lineup in action.
Poeltl, for his part, has been watching closely from the sidelines and knows where he can help.
“I noticed we play best when we get aggressive defensively and get out and run,” he said. “I’ll try to just slot myself in there and keep that concept going.”
On top of the injury, Poeltl’s name has been floating in trade rumors over the past few weeks - no surprise with the deadline approaching and big names like Anthony Davis, Domantas Sabonis, and Walker Kessler being mentioned in various scenarios.
But if the chatter has been bothering him, he’s not showing it.
“There’s a lot more conversations, even with Bobby [Webster], with my agent, stuff that’s going on,” Poeltl said. “But at the end of the day, I know how this game works. I know that there’s always a chance for players to get traded.”
He’s been through it before - first as part of the blockbuster deal that brought Kawhi Leonard to Toronto, and later when he was reacquired by the Raptors. That experience has helped him stay grounded.
“Sometimes [a trade] might be more likely, sometimes less likely,” he added. “But I’m just taking it one day at a time.
I’m focusing on being here. And if something happens, I’ll take it from there.
But for now, I’m happy to be here, and I want to keep that going.”
If Poeltl can stay healthy and the Raptors can finally roll out their full starting five, there’s still time to make some noise in the East. But first, it starts with getting their big man back on the court - even if it’s just for a few minutes on Sunday.